“He plays in Miami, the others in Saudi Arabia,” Ageing Novak Djokovic placed above Lionel Messi and at par with Michael Jordan by Richard Gasquet

The former World No. 7 draws a comparison between three of the greatest athletes in the history of sport.

“He plays in Miami, the others in Saudi Arabia,” Ageing Novak Djokovic placed above Lionel Messi and at par with Michael Jordan by Richard Gasquet

Novak Djokovic, Lionel Messi, Michael Jordan (Credits: ATP Tour, NBC News, Britannica)

At 36 years old, Novak Djokovic continues to lead the ATP Tour in the rankings and has won the most Grand Slam singles titles. Nole is a 24-time Major winner, and by no means can one say that he’s incapable of adding more.

Defending his title at the 2024 Australian Open, the Serb lost to eventual champ Jannik Sinner in the semis. With reports suggesting he was sick for three weeks during the Australian Open, Making the semis at a Grand Slam in sickness is just a testament to Nole’s drive, passion, and talent for tennis. 

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As he closes in on his 37th birthday (May 22), he is as fit as the young guys on the Tour. He famously said during the 2023 Wimbledon, ‘36 is the new 26‘. He has openly claimed he won’t retire till the young brigade pushes him off the court.

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While he can credit his timely change of diet and training regime to his fitness, not many players can boast of it at this age. Speaking on similar lines, French veteran Richard Gasquet was left amused by the Serb’s exceptional fitness and ability to still dominate.

The former World No. 7 showered Djokovic with praise. He compared his achievements to being on par with NBA great Michael Jordan and Argentine soccer hero Lionel Messi. The Frenchman, however, put Djokovic above the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner, given that he no longer plays in Europe. 

It's bound to get worse. Apart from Djokovic, who wins Grand Slams at almost 37 years old. Have we ever experienced this in sport, apart from perhaps Jordan? Messi plays in Miami, the others in Saudi Arabia, he [Djokovic] is world No. 1.
Said Gasquet speaking with L’Equipe. 
I can't explain why a guy like that is so strong at that age. At 37-38 years old, normally, you are much less good than at 25. You know that. At no time did I say to myself that I would play the year I turned 38. Unimaginable.
Added the Frenchman.

Novak Djokovic looks set for a long spell at the top of the rankings

Nole is currently at the top of the ATP singles rankings, with 9855 points to his name. Behind him is Carlos Alcarazint the No. 2 spot with 9255 points. No man apart from these two Grand Slam champions has breached the 9000-ranking point mark this season. 

Novak Djokovic and Richard Gasquet
Novak Djokovic and Richard Gasquet (Credits: Eurosport)

Following his exit from Australia, Djokovic’s camp announced his absence from the Tour for the entire month of February. With no premier event and fitness concerns for him, it was not entirely a shock. He played in Dubai last year, where he reached the semis. But with his absence this year, he will lose the 180 points. 

But for Alcaraz, it is a busy February. He is the defending champion at the 250-event in Buenos Aires. Following that, he is set to play in Rio, where he was the runner-up last year. With only two events for him this month, he has to defend 550 points. If he wins the title in Rio, he can still add 200 points. 

In March, the entire Tour will be in the USA for the Sunshine Double. Alcaraz had won the Indian Wells title last year and reached the semis in Miami. As a result, he will now defend 1650 points at the two Masters-1000 events.

Djokovic will return to the competitions for the first time since 2019 and hence has 0 points to defend until the Golden Swing commences. Having won 40 Masters titles in his career, the most by any man, he has a big chance to increase the gap at the top and extend his stay as World No. 1. 

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